Sunset Peak(869m)

One of the most famous peaks in Lantau Island, Sunset Peak stands right opposite to Lantau Peak. It is the third highest peak in Hong Kong with a height of 869m above sea level. Walking up Sunset Peak alone should be alright for intermediates. However, since I have included reaching the summit of Lin Fa Shan as well as going down to Heavenly Book Wall, it would be categorized as advanced level in my perspective.

After getting off Lantau Bus No. 3M at Pak Kung Au, I immediately saw the road sign 'Tai Tung Shan' and followed this part of Lantau Trail uphill. The route is straightforward as it is a one way staircase with big steps. After an hour of staircase, I walked pass signpost L015 and turned left to reach the summit of Sunset Peak. Afterwards, to continue the route, I walked back down to Lantau Trail where the signpost L015 was, and turned left to carry on towards Lantau Mountain Camp.

I did try to go to the Heaven Pool from Lantau Mountain Campsite No. 11. However, since the weed was too dry, sharp and high, I was wounded on my way (not even half way near the pool!). Hence, I had to stop and return.

After nearly a 30 minutes walk along the mountainside, I arrived a junction near Sheung Tung Au, where hikers should decide whether they would like to go to Nam Shan Sam Uk Tsuen or carry on their way to Lin Fa Shan, Sam Shan Toi, Ap Kuk Lek, Ngau Kwu Pok and Por Kai Shan.

I chose the latter but due to time limit, I managed to reach the summit of Lin Fa Shan Only. Going up and walking down were both uneasy. I believed this was the peak where I spent most of the time conquering, especially because of my sore and bleeding legs. Uphill was hard because the slope was steep, around 70 degrees in gradient; and sandy. For each step I took, there must be gravels sliding downwards. When the trigonometric point of 766m high was reached, the famous photography spot of 'The Book of Heaven' Rock was nearby. (the wide and flat rock on the right in the leftest photos above) If you would like to take photos on the rock, I recommend you to use an aerial camera for a panoramic view.

In addition, when going down Lin Fa Shan, I suggest not taking the same path as I came up since the slope was too steep that it was too life-intimidating; instead, there was a narrow way hidden along the bushes towards the direction of Nam Shan get that route which would eventually link back to Lantau Trail. Although it might take up more time, it was much gentle and less dangerous.

For the last destination along the Lantau Trail, I went down to Heavenly Book Wall, which was located near Pak Lung Stream, since there were stones constantly soaked in stream water, it was slippery and risky. Besides, to go down to the Wall, hikers are required to climb for about 3m straight down, with the help of the roots of trees and some holes on the cliff. Anyone who is afraid of height had better leave this spot. Anyway, when I was on the ground, I thought inside was as dark as a cave; but surprisingly, when I was underground, the brightness was the same as it had been above!

Eventually, I head back to Tung Chung along Lantau Trail toward the direction of Pak Mong and after crossing Cheung Tung Road.